Book Review: The Hunger Games

Two issues, one cultural, one technological, led me to this book. Ever since The Hunger Games film was released earlier this year, it has been a blockbuster success and pop culture phenomenon. Naturally, I was intrigued by it, but was always indecisive about seeing the movie. In addition, a member of my social group had read the book and said that, although the story itself wasn't bad, the writing and certain aspects of the plot just didn't seem logical.

The technological issue runs a little bit deeper. For a long while now, I have heard about, and been involved in, the debates between traditional literature formats and the rapid rise of e-readers (Kindle, Nook, iPad, take your pick). I'd long been reluctant to try my mother's kindle (I just didn't think I'd get the same feeling as actually holding a book in my hands), but when a friend loaned her the first volume of Suzanne Collins' trilogy, I figured "why not?", and finally took the plunge into e-reading.

As a book, The Hunger Games was not exactly groundbreaking, but certainly not the worst thing I've ever read. In a dystopian future United States, 24 young men and women are chosen by annual lottery to compete in "The Hunger Games" (basically, they are made to fight to the death on national television and the winner gets honored with lifetime wealth and glory) as punishment for a past rebellion against the government. One of this year's competitors, Katniss Everdeen, however, is unlike any previous tribute and gives the country a show they'll never forget.

A few aspects of the book make it noteworthy in spite of its somewhat cliche plot line. First and foremost, the story is told in first person from the perspective of Ms. Everdeen, so the entire plot is almost like a psychological analysis of this one main character in relation to her surrounding environment. I've read first person narratives before, but this focused so specifically and intensely on Katniss' thoughts and emotions that it seemed like you were literally seeing the world through her eyes.

Another intriguing feature of the book dealt with themes of tyrannical government and propaganda. While the Capitol city has more food and luxury than it knows what to do with, many people in the districts (and Katniss' district in particular) are on the brink of starvation and living in squalor and poverty. Also, the games themselves serve as a reminder to the people that the government has absolute power and can take away their freedom and their lives at will. As a history buff, these themes really stuck with me and, although heavily caricatured  and "cartoon-ized", could serve as a mirror for dozens of totalitarian and oppressive regimes the world over.

Collins also does an excellent job describing the imagery of the various items, characters, locations and events throughout the story and linking them to the views of Katniss Everdeen. To put it simply, the book contains more than its share of colorful moments.

At this point, I'm still a little unsure about seeing movie, but regardless, I am interested in looking at the second and possibly third book in the trilogy, as the first volume left off on rather a curious high note.

CHECK OUT MY COMPARISON TO THE FEATURE FILM

Book Review: The Castle in the Attic

 

Along with Lloyd Alexander's The Book of Three, this story was instrumental in establishing my childhood love of fantasy literature. I remember my mother reading it to me, and later reading it on my own. I loved each and every page, and not just because of the story itself. The main character was someone I identified with on several levels, the most significant being his abiding love of gymnastics (a passion of mine from age 5 until age 17).

Ten-year old William Edward Lawrence has been cared for all his life by Mrs. Eleanor Phillips, an English widow who is preparing to return home at the end of the month. Having no children of her own, as a parting gift she bequeaths to William a scaled-down, fully functional stone model of a medieval castle, complete with a figure of a knight in silver armor, that has been in her family for generations. While dreading the departure of his beloved caretaker, William is given the biggest shock of his young life. At his touch, the figure of the silver knight mysteriously comes alive and reveals an incredible story: Sir Simon (the knight) was cheated of his kingdom by an evil wizard who murdered his father and turned Sir Simon into a lead statue. Eventually, using magic stolen by Sir Simon from the wizard himself, William enters the enchanted kingdom of the Silver Knight and embarks on a quest to defeat the tyrant wizard once and for all.

In addition to my personal gymnastics aspect, William was a character who was very easy to relate to. His feelings of anger, sadness, courage and even social awkwardness are things that all children go through at some time or another. In addition, what little boy doesn't enjoy stories of knights, castles and magic?

Overall, The Castle in the Attic is a touching, poignant and very human story about the joys and sorrows of growing up. You could even say that it was my very first introduction to the classic "hero's journey" archetype so important to my later storytelling interests (Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings ect... ect...). I would highly recommend this story to any child with a love of fantasy, or an adult who wants to recapture some of that sweet, literary magic they enjoyed in their own childhoods.  

Book Review: The Silver Lotus

"Like father, like son". This is one phrase that we hear all the time, and was probably one of the first we heard as children. In the case of Thomas Steinbeck, eldest son of legendary American author John Steinbeck, however, this saying has never been more true. I was a fan of the father's work in high school (The Red Pony, The Pearl, Of Mice and Men), and now have discovered the literary magic of the son through his magnificent novel The Silver Lotus.

Spanning roughly from the 1890's until the 1910's (though this is difficult to determine, since actual dates are mentioned maybe three times in the entire book), The Silver Lotus takes its title from the name of its main character: Lady Yee is the youngest daughter of a wealthy merchant in the Chinese port city of Canton. Unsurpassed in beauty and unbelievably intelligent, Lady Yee is the jewel of her father's existence.

On the surface, captain Jeremiah Macy Hammond is the last person one would expect to be integrated into such a prominent Chinese family (an American merchant captain descended from a Nantucket whaling family). Nonetheless, his fine morals, deep sense of dignity and shrewd yet honest business ways earn him the singular honor of Lady Yee's hand in marriage.

Together, Captain Hammond and Lady Yee have many adventures sailing and trading across the Pacific, and when they finally settle down in Monterey, California, Lady Yee's almost superhuman instincts of perception combine with her husband's vast business network to profoundly change the sociopolitical culture and situation of ethnic minorities of the California coast.

The most remarkable feature about Steinbeck Jr.'s work is that the book contains very little dialog. In 342 pages the amount of actual spoken words adds up to perhaps five pages at most- hence the entire story is told in retrospect, making the reader feel like they are reading a historical account. Its been a while since I read anything by Steinbeck Sr., so I don't recall if this was his style as well. Nonetheless, it was still a very interesting literary technique.

Although some are extensively featured and others are only a passing reference, the sheer number of cultures, nationalities and religions (not to mention their foods, clothes and vast amounts of trade goods) paints an almost global picture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries while still focusing on the simple and loving relationship between an American merchant captain and his beautiful Chinese wife.

Thomas Steinbeck has written other books besides this one, and they apparently have been well received. Whether I will eventually read them or not is uncertain, but one thing is certain; in his firm grasp of characters and storytelling, Steinbeck Jr. is every bit as good as his father, and perhaps in some instances has even surpassed him.

Book Review: Nobody's Prize

Sequel to Nobody's Princess (see link)

Although it covers a significantly shorter time span than its prequel, Esther Friesner's second novel about Helen of Troy's early life is even more jam-packed with adventure, mystery and outright good storytelling than Nobody's Princess. Continuing to immerse the reader in the authentic world of the Late Bronze Age, Nobody's Prize considerably broadens young Helen's horizons, both physically and metaphorically.

She's fourteen years old and everyone expects her to marry, but Helen has already shattered all convention by receiving armed combat training, participating in the Calydonian Boar Hunt and now, disguised as a boy, has snuck aboard the famed ship the Argo to sail across the world on search of the legendary Golden Fleece.

Keeping one's identity secret aboard a crowded ship is no easy task, and soon everybody recognizes Helen for what she is (although relatively few know who she is). As if this were not enough, the young Spartan Princess narrowly avoids death before escaping the eastern kingdom of Colchis. On her way home Helen is taken prisoner by King Theseus of Athens and will be forced to marry him unless she can come up with a plan to escape and return to Sparta.

While giving fresh faces to already famous mythological characters- the legendary poet Orpheus, the mighty yet tragic hero Heracles (Hercules) and the disturbed yet dangerous enchantress Medea- Nobody's Prize contains a fine balance of action, drama and all the storytelling talent expected of an experienced tale weaver.

Book Review: The Book of Three

Although not as strong as it once was, my love of fantasy literature (a carry-over from my childhood and teenage years) still forms a part of my sense of personal identity. If this love could be traced to a single source, it would undoubtedly be The Book of Three, the first of five volumes in Lloyd Alexander's famous Chronicles of Prydain series, which I first read at the age of eight.

Set in the mystical world of Prydain, the story centers around the character Taran, an orphan being raised on a farm by an old and, shall we say, "eccentric" wise man. Harboring dreams of battle and glory, Taran is unexpectedly thrust into a whirlwind of events that could decide the fate of the entire kingdom.

It was not obvious to me until many years later, but Alexander's work is based almost entirely on traditional Welsh/Celtic mythology and folklore, with some characters sharing the exact same names. Taking this theme one step further, Alexander sets the story against a background of supernatural and historical mystery that could easily pass for a traditional bard's tale.

Each character in the book- from the wise leader Gwydion, to the enchantress princess Eilonwy to the lovable and mischievous scamp Gurgi- is written with such unique a personality that readers of any age (even if they don't fully understand the story) will be enthralled by and endeared to for many years to come.

Book Review: For the King's Favor

Having become enthralled with Elizabeth Chadwick's masterful portrayal of William Marshal in The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion, my eye naturally turned to her other works. One of those works was For the King's Favor, which chronicles the life of Roger Bigod.

A contemporary of William Marshal, Roger Bigod is born heir to the earldom of Norfolk, but his succession is by no means guaranteed. His father leads a rebellion against King Henry II (and perishes in the process), forcing Roger to walk an extremely delicate path to remain in royal favor. In addition, his half-brother campaigns fiercely to gain rights to the inheritance, resulting in a 20-year long debate.

Roger, however, is only half the story. The leading lady of the novel is Ida de Tosney. Starting out as the 15-year old mistress of King Henry, Ida finds favor in the court. She later desires a legitimate marriage with Roger, but to secure the King's permission, she must leave behind her infant son, fathered by Henry, to be raised in the royal household.

Many of the events in this story parallel the same time line as Chadwick's works about William Marshal, so it was interesting to see those same events viewed from another person's perspective. Chadwick also does a brilliant job portraying the blossoming romance between Ida and Roger, as well as the family dynamics that develop between their children, the supporting characters and Ida's son by Henry.

More than anything else, Chadwick has written very human characters. Despite the 800-year divide that separates their time from ours, the situations in their personal lives (love vs. duty, raising children and family quarrels) can no doubt be related to by modern society on a multitude of levels.  

Book Review: Cleopatra: A Life

A figure of intrigue and controversy in her own lifetime and painted as a femme fatale after her death, the last Pharaoh of Egypt has inspired more scandals and myths than any other woman of the ancient world (except perhaps the infamous Helen of Troy). In her groundbreaking biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff peels away all of the later layers of mythology from Cleopatra and paints a bold and refreshing new picture of this remarkable queen.

Focusing strictly on near-contemporary Classical sources, Schiff chronicles Cleopatra's rise to power as the ruler of the wealthiest and most productive land in the Mediterranean. Aside from being a crafty politician and clever propagandist (not to mention utterly ruthless when she wanted to be), Cleopatra's capital of Alexandria was the preeminent center of education the ancient world, and she could duel with the greatest intellectual minds of her day. Even more than all that, Cleopatra fought fiercely to protect her people, her country and her culture from the encroaching presence of Roman domination.

Accompanied by two beautiful sets of images depicting maps, art and artifacts related to Cleopatra's reign, Schiff's work is written in a very clear and simple language that requires virtually no sophisticated knowledge of history to understand and enjoy.

Book Review: The Scarlet Lion

Sequel to The Greatest Knight (see link)

The year is 1197, and William Marshal is riding high. Having taken in marriage the wealthy and formidable (not to mention beautiful) Irish countess Isabelle de Clare, Marshal has four delightful children in his life (6 more would come in later years) and enjoys the position of of one of King Richard the Lionheart's most trusted and competent commanders. 

However, his life would soon take a dramatic downturn. After Richard's death, his unscrupulous and power-hungry brother John inherits the throne. As different from Richard as can be imagined, John slowly pick's apart William and Isabelle's lives bit by bit, even demanding their eldest sons as hostages to endure their "good faith". William remains loyal to John through it all, but it takes ever more demeaning displays of prostration to retain even a modicum of royal favor.

The situation takes a toll not only on William's standing within the court and realm, but on his marriage and relationship with his heir. Pressured from more directions than ever before, William and Isabelle are tested to the limits, and failing that test could mean disaster for the entire kingdom.

Although author Elizabeth Chadwick states that The Scarlet Lion can be read independently of its prequel (see The Greatest Knight), I believe it would be much easier to read the books in order, since the first volume contains so much backstory of the main characters. In any case, Chadwick has done an excellent job chronicling the second half of the life of one of England's most extraordinary heroes.  

Book Review: Nobody's Princess

If you ask most people about Helen of Troy, chances are the name will strike a chord. Well-known as "the face that launched a thousand ships", this Greek heroine is given a fresh look and modern makeover in Esther Friesner's 2007 teen fiction novel.

But first, a little historical background. Most scholars agree that the legendary Trojan War would have taken place around the 13th century B.C.E., a time when Greek culture as it is popularly imagined had not yet taken shape. During this time (the Late Bronze Age), the dominant cultural force in Greece was the Mycenaeans, who bore little resemblance to what would become Classical Greek civilization. It is in this world that Helen of Troy would have lived, and from which Friesner draws heavily on archeological and artistic detail to craft the setting of her story.

In this first of two volumes, Friesner focuses on Helen as a young child and budding adolescent, growing up in the ancient kingdom of Sparta. Lacking any interest in women's domestic tasks and possessing indomitable willpower along with her legendary beauty, Helen secretly trains in armed combat and is determined not to have her decisions controlled by anyone else. On her journeys, she meets many already beloved historical and mythological characters, including the huntress Atalanta, the hero- or anti-hero in this version- Theseus and the legendary priestess of the Oracle at Delphi.

Filled with accurate Late Bronze Age details (including food, clothes, weapons and art), this unorthodox but engaging version of Helen's story paints a whole new picture of perhaps the most coveted woman in world history.      

Book Review: A Kingdom Divided

Sequel to Raiders from the North (See [link])

If a single fault could be detected with part two of Alex Rutherford's new series, it would have nothing to do with the story itself. I had acquired this volume via the Internet, being so eager to continue the story, but unbeknownst to me, this book was not yet released by an American publisher and was titled differently (Brothers at War). Encountering the "official" version at Barnes & Noble sometime later, I was initially concerned that the plot and text may have been altered for American consumers. However, several quick skims revealed no significant deviations, and the story could now be fully appreciated.

With the death of Babur, control of the fragile Moghul Empire has now passed to his eldest son, Humayun. Almost immediately, however, his treasonous brothers launch plots to claim the empire for themselves. On his eastern frontier, Humayun must combat Sher Shah (another who desires to posses the throne), as well as battle his own personal demons of opium addiction.

Forced in to exile, Humayun wanders from northwest India to Afghanistan to Persia for over a decade, his only comforts being his new wife and the birth of his son, Akbar. After surviving battle, betrayal and the kidnapping of his heir, Humayun finally catches and punishes his brothers. With the now adolescent Akbar at his side, the exiled emperor finally reconquers his empire of Hindustan and is once again seated on the throne, only to die falling down stairs six months later.

Drawing the reader much further into the wealth and culture of India than the previous volume (which mainly focused on Central Asia), Rutherford has painted a colorful and magnificent picture of one of the greatest ruling families in world history, complete with all the rivalries, hopes, happiness and bitterness that would do a Shakespearean drama proud.

Book Review: The Lost Diary of Don Juan

These days, calling someone "Don Juan"could have ambiguous results. The moniker of this legendary seducer may be seen as a compliment, an insult or anything in between. In any case, this first novel by Douglas Carlton Abrams not only shows Don Juan in a whole new light, but, through simple yet passionate innocence, turns the entire philosophy of the Spanish Inquisition on its head.

Set in the Spanish coastal city of Sevilla in the 16th century, the tale is narrated by Don Juan himself, and tells the story of his life. Abandoned as an infant and raised by nuns, Juan worships women as the true embodiment of God's beauty and mercy. Even as a thief and burglar during his teenage years, he sympathizes with his victims; women neglected by their husbands and daughters kept cloistered by their fathers. Now living the elegant lifestyle of the libertine, he finds his way to many of their beds, and receives divine pleasure in merely bringing them satisfaction. His lifestyle earns him many enemies, not least the head of the office of the Inquisition, and he continuously walks a fine line between danger and protection.

A truly passionate and genuine soul, Don Juan refuses to give into the fire and brimstone dogma of the Inquisition, and embodies this spirit in his own words: "As long as desire is banished from the Kingdom of Heaven, there will always be a long line at the Gates of Hell." (p. 113) 

Written with dozens of unique characters- some wise and kind, others zealous and cruel- this multi-layered and sensuous novel brings forth the full glory of Sevilla's golden age. The historical detail is unimaginably rich and the words themselves seem to glow.

Book Review: Dragons from the Sea

Sequel to Viking Warrior (See [link])

Judson Roberts has crafted a masterful second chapter in his already spellbinding historical fiction series. Not only has he expanded the physical scope of the world and culture of the vikings, but his characters begin to display more and more layers to their personalities, drawing the reader ever closer to the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages. Above all, the overriding theme of this volume is the vikings' strict code of honor and morality, and how the popular image of these people as savage brutes is disproved time and time again.

For someone who until recently knew only the life of a slave, its amazing how much young Halfdan Hrorikson has accomplished in a matter of weeks. After fleeing the pursuit of the henchmen of his treacherous step-brother Toke (and killing many of them in the process), Halfdan arrives at the Danish capital of Hedeby, where he joins the crew of a longship preparing to mount a massive raid into the heartland of the Frankish Empire (modern-day France). By proving his service in war, Haldan hopes to gain a powerful set of allies to help him in his quest for revenge against Toke.

However, acceptance does not come quickly, with many warriors and crew members skeptical about Halfdan's youth (he's only just turned 15) and inexperience in battle. Yet with his dazzling skill in archery, Halfdan eventually becomes one of the most valuable members of the ship's crew (and his ability to speak Latin comes in mighty handy as well).

Once in Frankia, things do not always go smoothly for Halfdan (he kills members of his own army and scuffles with one of Toke's cronies), but the most dramatic episode of his experience is completely unexpected. While out on a scouting mission, he encounters Genevieve, the daughter of a Frankish nobleman who was forced by her father into a nunnery (more on that later), whom he captures and intends to ransom. The Frankish perception of the Danes is as savage killers, but Halfdan and Genevieve develop an unlikely rapport, and perhaps their lives run more parallel to each other than either of them realize.  

Book Review: The Greatest Knight

Sometimes in life and often completely at random, we stumble onto an item or situation that profoundly affects out tastes, mindset and even personal choices. Such a thing happened to me when I came upon the marvelous writings of Ms. Elizabeth Chadwick.

As author specializing in the Plantagenet dynasty of the Middle Ages, Chadwick crafts spellbinding tales woven through with wonderfully rich and historic detail. One day I saw her book at Barnes & Noble and decided to try it. By the end of that summer, I was completely hooked.

The Greatest Knight tells the story of William Marshal, an English-born low-ranking nobleman who won great renown through his considerable skill at arms, but also through his many years of service to nearly all the members of the royal family in the second half of the 12th century. A model of integrity and chivalrous behavior, William's steadfast character earns him as many enemies as it does friends, and multiple times he must draw on all his strength and sense of honor in order to prevail.

Chadwick draws heavily on both historical commentary and primary source material (according to her "Author's Note", William Marshal was the first Englishman about whom a secular biography was written) to create a story unparalleled in richness and beauty. One that has earned her numerous accolades from some of today's most prominent historical and literary critics.

Book Review: Attila

Ruthless. Fierce. Vicious. Barbaric. These are all words that may come to mind upon hearing the name "Attila the Hun". One of the instrumental players in bringing down the Roman Empire, Attila and his mounted army united warring Hunnic tribes and left a swath of destruction int their wake. But there was much more to Attila than that. In the first installment of a dramatic and sweeping trilogy, William Napier tells the story of a young Attila and how his enduring hatred for the Romans fueled his zealous dive towards conquest.

I am by no means an expert on this period, but certain aspects of Napier's storytelling do strike me as inaccurate; such as the weaponry used by the Roman legions, as well as the premise of Attila's early captivity in Rome (the basis of much of the first half of the novel). Nonetheless, the story is well-told, and the characters very well-developed.

Framed through the retrospect of a late 5th century Christian monk, the story tells of how young Attila was given as a hostage to Rome as part of an alliance with the Hun people. Despising the city and its people from the get-go, Attila eventually escapes and crosses the Alps, wide swaths of country and finally the Danube river to rejoin his people. When, however, he acts against the authority of the king, he is branded a traitor and sentenced to wander the steppes for no less than thirty years.

Richly varied in its plot structure and character development, Attila will bring to life one of the most infamous names in history and cast new light on this unflinchingly brave and passionate soul.  

Book Review: Raiders from the North

In the coming years, India will no doubt emerge as a leading superpower in today's world. However, throughout the long history of this mighty nation, powerful empires, sophisticated culture and vast wealth in natural resources have never been in short supply. One of the greatest and most luxurious periods of Indian history is captures in a groundbreaking new series of novels by author Alex Rutherford; "Empire of the Moghul".

The first novel in the series centers around Babur, the founder of the Moghul dynasty. After becoming the ruler of a small Central Asian tribal kingdom at the age of twelve, Babur is immediately faced with almost constant battle, hardship and conspiracy amongst his own court and comrades. Always on the watch for the rival Uzbeks and his sworn enemy Shaibani Kahn, Babur endures betrayal, extreme cold and heat and he tests the loyalty of his troops and followers to the absolute breaking point.

Later, in his adulthood, Babur leads a massive army across the towering Hindu Kush mountains to invade India. With one earth-shattering battle, he controls most of the north of the country ("Hindustan"). Unfortunately, before the kingdom can be fully put together Babur dies, leaving the empire at the mercy of rivalry between his four ambitious sons.

Filled with beautiful and gritty historical detail and brimming with plenty of wonderfully developed characters, Raiders from the North will delight any lover of Indian history, or anyone who simply looker for a good story.

Book Review: The Bread Givers

Growing up in New York City, one of the first things we learn as schoolchildren is the long history of immigration to this bustling metropolis. One story that captures that essence is Anzia Yezierska's chronicle of an Eastern European Jewish family living in a Manhattan tenement in the early 20th century.

Dealing with powerful themes including ethnic and religious identity, the struggle to adapt to a new world and, above all, the changing views of gender roles, Yezierska's work offers a powerful glimpse into a tumultuous period in New York City's history.

Sara Smolinsky is the youngest of four daughters living on the lower east side in the 1920's Her strictly traditional father spends all of his time at study and prayer, while Sara and her mother and sisters struggle to earn enough to get by. As her father marries off her sisters for his own gain and to increase his social standing, Sara becomes more and more restless until finally, she snaps. Leaving her family and setting out into the city with virtually nothing, Sara is determined to make her own way and, for the first time in her life, live for herself.

As an immigrant herself, Yezierska draws from her own background and experience to craft an emotionally moving tale complete with all the gritty realism and sophisticated plot structure one would expect from a good piece of writing.

Book Review: Viking Warrior

I first came across The Strongbow Saga seemingly a random. It was the summer of 2006 and I was working as an intern at the American Museum of Natural History. One day I was browsing at Barnes & Noble and saw this title on the teen fiction shelf. It looked interesting, so I decided to buy it. By the time I finished it (which wasn't long, I assure you), I was already hankering for more. Filled with painstakingly researched and accurate historical detail, Judson Roberts' masterful storytelling completely dispels popular stereotypes of the vikings and their world.

The story centers around the character Halfdan, the illegitimate son of Hrorik, a Danish chieftain, and Deirdru, an Irish princess captured by Hrorik several years before. Having lived all his life as a slave, Halfdan is acknowledged by Hrorik on his deathbed as his legitimate son. Halfdan is then trained in the arts of war by Hrorik's son Harald, who is perfectly happy to love Halfdan as his own brother. However, when dispute over a land inheritance arises between Halfdan and Toke, Hrorik's stepson, the wheels of fate are slammed into motion.

While visiting his inherited lands with Harald, Halfdan and the entire estate are attacked at night by Toke and his men, and nearly everyone is brutally slaughtered. Only Halfdan survives, and swears an oath of vengeance on Toke and all his followers.

For anyone interested in the world of the vikings, visit Mr. Roberts' websites:

http://www.judsonroberts.com/

http://strongbowsaga.com/